Inside the main hall of Immortality Mountain Manor.
Rat Lord slowly lifted his right foot off Third Brother's face, turned, and walked toward the rear hall.
Wu Yuanjun stood deep in the corridor, his figure hidden in darkness, utterly motionless.
"His Majesty has summoned Niu Xi back to court for an audience." Rat Lord strode forward, his tone brooking no argument. "You must release him..."
"Too late," Wu Yuanjun replied evenly.
"What do you mean...?" Rat Lord froze.
Clang, rumble...!
He had barely gotten half his question out when something fell to the floor inside the corridor.
Then a bloody head rolled out of the darkness, struck the floor, and bounced its way to Rat Lord's left foot.
He lowered his head and carefully examined the head, its hair disheveled and its flesh mangled, finally confirming that it was indeed Niu Xi's.
"You...!"
Coming to his senses, Rat Lord pointed angrily at Wu Yuanjun. "Acting like this, aren't you afraid...?!"
"Heh. After leaving the feast just now, I personally went to the dungeon and chopped his head off," Wu Yuanjun interrupted with a smile. "I commanded troops for half my life, only to end up having to kill my brothers just to survive. He thought he could betray me and keep his secure place at court? What a fool's dream."
"You knew perfectly well that His Majesty..."
"Report this to His Majesty: knowing Niu Xi as I do, if he ever gained power, he might very well... rebel. Hahaha!" Wu Yuanjun laughed heartily. "I'm purging treacherous officials for the Court. These things are best done sooner rather than later. If you harbor suspicions, you must act. That's the safest way."
Watching the Witch Lord before him, Rat Lord felt both helpless and somewhat afraid.
Why?
Because Wu Yuanjun struck him